Muncy war veteran pleads guilty on federal charges

September 8, 2010

A Vietnam War combat veteran entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor federal charges for altering discharge documents to indicate he had received a Silver Star and for wearing military decorations and a Marine captain's uniform that he was not entitled to wear.

Frederick Grunsby, 63, of the Muncy area, served two tours of duty in Vietnam, according to court documents and his attorney, George Lepley Jr.

According to Lepley, his client suffers from and is being treated for post-traumatic stress syndrome related to his war experiences.

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photo courtesy of Cindy KnierFrederick Grunsby of Muncy

The defendant was allowed to remain seated during his appearance before U.S. District Magistrate Judge William Arbuckle III due to chronic pain.

Neither the prosecution nor defense offered an explanation for the cause of the pain, and the defendant made no statements other than to tell the judge he was taking prescribed pain medication daily.

Arbuckle ordered a presentence report and indicated a sentence will be imposed within 90 days.

Grunsby faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each charge and entered an open plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Samuelson said in court that an investigation began after a military historian became suspicious about the validity of a medal, on display in a local veterans club, which Grunsby claimed to have been awarded.